Trey Cunningham, a skilled hurdler from Winfield, Alabama, made headlines in May 2024 after competing in the US Olympic Trials.
Known for his specialization in the 110-meter hurdles, the 25-year-old track star gained attention for publicly coming out as gay in a recent interview with The New York Times.
Cunningham, who previously earned a silver medal in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, opened up about his journey towards self-acceptance and the challenges he faced in being true to himself.
Describing the act of coming out to his friends and family at the age of 20 as the “scariest thing” he had ever done, Cunningham emphasized the importance of taking the time to navigate his own truth.
In the interview, Cunningham shared his personal experience of receiving some pushback from his parents upon coming out but also highlighted the unwavering support he received from his friends, who he described as waiting for him to embrace his true identity.
The track star expressed gratitude for having a supportive circle that allowed him to be authentic without judgment.
Cunningham’s decision to publicly come out is significant in a sports world where many male athletes still struggle to discuss their sexuality openly. He hopes that by sharing his story, he can contribute to creating a more inclusive environment in track and field and society as a whole.
While Cunningham did not secure a spot on Team USA for the Paris Olympics, his impressive performance in the Olympic Trials and his ranking as 11th in the world in the Men’s 110 Meter Hurdles showcase his talent and determination on the track.
